Excavation Techniques

Definition

Excavation techniques refer to the methods and processes employed by archaeologists to systematically uncover and record artifacts, structures, and other archaeological features from the ground. These techniques are critical in Viking Age towns as they allow researchers to gather valuable data about urban life, trade, and cultural practices during that period. Understanding excavation techniques helps in assessing the preservation of sites and the context of the finds, providing insights into how Viking Age towns were organized and functioned.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Excavation techniques vary depending on the site type; for Viking Age towns, methods may include test trenches, horizontal excavation, or stratigraphic excavation.
2. Documentation during excavation is crucial; archaeologists keep detailed records of the location, depth, and orientation of finds to maintain their contextual integrity.
3. Different tools are used in excavation techniques, ranging from trowels and brushes for delicate work to larger tools like shovels for removing bulk soil.
4. Excavations in Viking Age towns often focus on areas like workshops, marketplaces, or residential zones to understand daily life and economic activities.
5. Post-excavation analysis involves studying artifacts and ecofacts recovered during excavation to draw conclusions about Viking Age social structures, trade networks, and cultural practices.

Review Questions

• How do different excavation techniques influence the findings at Viking Age towns?
  • Different excavation techniques can greatly affect the types of findings uncovered at Viking Age towns. For example, horizontal excavation allows archaeologists to reveal entire living spaces or activity areas, which provides insights into how residents interacted within their environment. Stratigraphic excavation focuses on layers of soil and can uncover chronological sequences of occupation and use over time. Choosing the right technique is essential for interpreting the archaeological record accurately.
• What role does documentation play in the excavation process, especially in Viking Age urban archaeology?
  • Documentation is a vital component of the excavation process as it ensures that all findings are recorded accurately for future analysis. In the context of Viking Age urban archaeology, thorough documentation allows researchers to reconstruct the layout of towns and understand the spatial relationships between different activities. This information can reveal patterns of trade, social interactions, and urban planning within Viking communities. Good documentation also enhances the reliability of interpretations made from excavated materials.
• Evaluate how excavation techniques can impact our understanding of trade networks in Viking Age towns.
  • Excavation techniques significantly shape our understanding of trade networks in Viking Age towns by revealing the locations and contexts of various artifacts that indicate trade relationships. For example, stratigraphic excavation might uncover layers containing imported goods that suggest long-distance trade connections. Additionally, contextual analysis during excavations can show where goods were concentrated within a town, helping identify marketplace areas. The methodologies employed ultimately influence our interpretations of how Vikings interacted economically with other cultures and regions.

Related terms

Stratigraphy: The study of rock layers and layering, used in archaeology to understand the chronological sequence of human activity at a site.

Site Survey: A method of systematically recording and analyzing archaeological sites before excavation, often involving surface collection and mapping.

Contextual Analysis: The examination of the spatial relationship between artifacts and features within a site, which helps interpret their significance and usage.